VandySports.com - Gomez, Selman going pro

June 14, 2012

Mike Rapp
VandySports.com Publisher

The only thing constant in college athletics is change, and that is certainly true for Vanderbilt's baseball program. Six current underclassmen were selected by MLB franchises in the 2012 draft. All could choose to return... but it now appears that at least four will go.

Yesterday, left handed pitcher Sam Selman announced on Twitter that he had come to terms with the Royals. Selman, a junior, was picked in the second round, and will receive a signing bonus reportedly just north of $700,000.

Today, via Twitter, shortstop Anthony Gomez announced he had come to terms with the Marlins: "Thank you vandy fans for an amazing 3 years! tomorrow ill take the next step with the marlins but I'll always be a #VandyBoy".

A sixth-round selection, there's not yet been word on the details of his deal.

Right handed pitcher Drew VerHagen was drafted by Detroit in the fourth round, and is the highest Tigers draft pick that has yet to sign a deal. Fifth-round pick Joe Rogers (LHP, Central Florida) tweeted Tuesday that he was signing for a $211,900 bonus. VandySports.com believes VerHagen, who transferred to VU this past summer from Navarro Junior College, will elect to sign a pro contract.

VerHagen spent his first year of eligibility rehabbing at Oklahoma University.

Right handed pitcher Will Clinard and center fielder Connor Harrell were also drafted by Detroit. Clinard is a fourth-year junior, and graduated this past May. VandySports.com expects Clinard, who was picked in the 18th round, may be leaning toward going pro.

There is no word on whether Harrell, who was picked in the 31st round, plans to sign.

Right fielder Mike Yastrzemski went to the Seattle Mariners in the 31st round. There's been no word on Yastrzemski's leanings, but as a low round selection the odds are excellent he would improve his draft stock with a productive seniors season.

VU is expected to lose at least two recruits to the pros before they set foot on the Nashville campus.

Two-way player Matt Olson out of Parkview, Ga., was taken 47th overall by the Oakland A's. The Texas Rangers took right-handed pitcher Collin Wiles from Stilwell, Kan., 53rd overall. Wiles has already signed a contract with Texas, and Olson is expected to come to terms with the Athletics.

Coach Johnson to stay at Vanderbilt

According to Kendall Rogers at Perfect Game, Duke took an official interview with Vanderbilt pitching coach Derek Johnson for their open head coaching position. Today, the Blue Devils announced they had hired Appalachian State head coach Chris Pollard. Pollard was named Southern Conference Coach of the Year in 2012.

This past season, Duke finished last in the Atlantic Coast Conference with a 9-21 conference record, and 21-34 overall.

Rogers said the Blue Devils also interviewed Elon head coach Mike Kennedy.

Late recruit added to Dore family

This week, word leaked out that VU head coach Tim Corbin had pulled the trigger on a late recruit for the 2012-13 class. Tyler Campbell, a shortstop from Lake Oswego, Ore., will be a part of this fall's incoming recruiting class.

Campbell was a finalist for Oregon's Gatorade Player of the Year, and had originally committed to Oregon State. Campbell sports a .685 slugging percentage a .512 on-base percentage, and a .934 fielding percentage.

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